The pilot and airline operator’s perspective on runway incursion hazards and mitigation options Session 2 Presentation 2
Operational Hazards Workload issues during taxiing that can result in a loss of situational awareness: Completion of pre-departure checklists Second engine start requirements Coordinating amended ATC clearances Complex taxi routing All have the potential to contribute to incursion risks
Operational Mitigations Establish SOPs to minimize the number of tasks to be performed when aircraft is moving during taxiing, these include: FMS input Delayed engine start Briefings Weight & balance calculations To maintain situational awareness on the ground: Use all available technologies (e.g. Airbus ROPS, Boeing ROMM) Use individual aerodrome charts Develop SOPs for ground navigation
Communication Hazards Task overload of pilot attempting to communicate Flight deck: checklists and briefings Cabin crew: passenger safety or technical issues Dispatch, AIRINC or other services related to operational issues Both pilots are focused on the communication issue Frequency congestion – an increasing factor at many airports Message confusion Standard phraseology is not always used Reception is not always clear The subsequent loss of situational awareness can result in: Runway incursion Taxiway incursion
Communication Mitigations To achieve required standards Use standard phraseology Listen before speaking Speak slowly When in doubt, seek clarification Ask open questions To avoid non essential communication Adopt sterile cockpit concept To avoid communication impediments in multi-crew cockpit Define the role of each pilot CRM training on communication techniques Manage the cockpit workload
Visibility Hazards Factors that can result in a crew being unsure of their position: Not only due to fog or other “low visibility” phenomena Visibility may be an issue in clear weather due to glare or reflection (snow or water) – potential for confusion issues when landing on closely spaced parallel runways Visibility hazards generally increase pilot workload and increase incursion risk
Visibility Mitigations Use all available technologies to maintain situational awareness on the ground CAT III landings have become routine, but the aircraft must still be taxied manually in low visibility operations Establish low visibility procedures, including enhanced crew coordination, when conditions require Inability to see other aircraft on runway Use full runway length operations especially in marginal conditions Realistic training for all low visibility operations
Signage Signage may be complex, inadequate or not clearly visible Complexity Inappropriate positioning Establish a reporting system that includes reporting signage deficiencies If available, insert local examples of poor markings, taxiway/lighting, stop red bars.
Airport Design Hazards Factors that contribute to positional uncertainty Multiple runway and taxiway intersections Converging intersections at various angles Closely spaced parallel runways Failure to hold short after landing Runway confusion risk, especially for low visibility landing operations Runways in close proximity to terminal aprons Conduct briefing prior to all operations Use individual airport charts Identify high risk locations Implement SOPs for operations at airports with known design hazards Boston, 14 July 2011
Construction Hazards and Mitigation Runway confusion Operations on closed runways Runways as taxiways Use of non-standard taxiways Airline operators establish comprehensive guidance for operations during airport works Conduct comprehensive pre-taxi briefing Cross-check all performance data before using Hazards appear when part of the airport becomes non-operational SQ 006 in Taipei – October 2000
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